### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H4926}}` (mishmâʻ) is a masculine noun derived from the root verb `{{H8085}}` (shamâʻ), which fundamentally means "to hear," but also encompasses "to listen," "to understand," and "to obey." Consequently, `{{H4926}}` carries the primary senses of "a report" or "hearing." It denotes something that has been heard and subsequently reported or circulated, or the act of hearing itself, particularly when it leads to a specific understanding or outcome. The nuance is not merely passive reception of sound but often implies the content of what is heard, carrying weight and potential consequence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{H4926}}` is a relatively rare term in the Hebrew Bible, appearing in only three distinct passages, each offering unique contextual insights into its meaning:
1. **[[1 Samuel 2:24]]**: "No, my sons, it is not a good *report* that I hear; you are making the LORD's people transgress." Here, Eli, the high priest, confronts his sons, Hophni and Phinehas, concerning their egregious behavior. The mishmâʻ refers to the widespread and negative tidings, the "evil report," concerning their corrupt practices at the tabernacle. This usage highlights the public nature of the "report" and its capacity to signify moral failing and bring disrepute. The "hearing" of this report by Eli underscores the gravity of his sons' actions and the scandal they caused among the people of God.
2. **[[Jeremiah 10:22]]**: "The sound of a *report*! Behold, it comes—a great commotion from the land of the north—to make the cities of Judah a desolation, a haunt of jackals." In this prophetic context, mishmâʻ refers to the "report" or "rumor" of an impending invasion. It is a harbinger of destruction, a sound that signals the approaching judgment from the north. Unlike the previous instance, this mishmâʻ is not about a moral failing but a foreboding sound of war, emphasizing its role as a warning or a sign of an imminent, devastating event.
3. **[[Psalm 18:44]]**: "As soon as they *hear* of me, they obey me; foreigners submit to me." (Also [[2 Samuel 22:45]] in parallel). This verse, part of David's psalm of deliverance, uses mishmâʻ in the sense of "at the hearing of the ear" or "as soon as they hear." It signifies the immediate and compelling impact of David's renown and God-given authority. The mere "hearing" or "report" of his power and victories is sufficient to elicit obedience and submission from foreign nations. This usage underscores the power of reputation and the authoritative weight carried by what is heard concerning a powerful figure.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is the root verb `{{H8085}}` (shamâʻ), from which `{{H4926}}` is directly derived. This root is foundational to understanding biblical concepts of hearing, listening, understanding, and crucially, obeying. Other related nouns derived from `{{H8085}}` include:
* `{{H8088}}` (shəmûʻâ): This noun also means "report," "rumor," or "tidings" and is more frequently used than `{{H4926}}`. It often describes news, whether good or bad (e.g., [[Isaiah 53:1]] "Who has believed our *report*?"). While semantically very close, shəmûʻâ often emphasizes the content of the news, whereas mishmâʻ can lean slightly more towards the act or effect of hearing.
* `{{H8087}}` (shémet): Another related term, meaning "fame," "renown," or "report," often used in the context of a person's reputation.
These words collectively highlight the biblical emphasis on the spoken word, the power of information, and the consequential nature of what is heard and circulated within a community.
### Theological Significance
The rare occurrences of `{{H4926}}` notwithstanding, its theological significance can be discerned from its contexts:
1. **The Weight of Reputation and Accountability**: The "evil report" concerning Eli's sons in [[1 Samuel 2:24]] serves as a stark reminder of the moral accountability of individuals, especially those in positions of spiritual authority. Their actions generate a public mishmâʻ that brings dishonor not only to themselves but also to the Lord and His people. This underscores the biblical principle that one's conduct has public ramifications, and the "report" of such conduct can lead to divine judgment.
2. **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**: In [[Jeremiah 10:22]], the "report" of war is not merely a human rumor but a divinely ordained harbinger of judgment. It signifies God's sovereign hand in bringing about His purposes, even through the terrifying mishmâʻ of an invading army. This illustrates that even seemingly chaotic or destructive "reports" fall within the scope of God's overarching plan for justice and discipline.
3. **The Power of God's Anointed**: The use in [[Psalm 18:44]] highlights the compelling power of God's chosen king, David. The "hearing" or "report" of his might and God-given authority is enough to compel submission from foreign nations. This points to the theological truth that God establishes His chosen ones with a renown that commands respect and obedience, reflecting His own glory through them.
In essence, `{{H4926}}` illuminates the profound impact of what is heard and reported, whether it concerns human moral failure, impending divine judgment, or the divinely established authority of a leader. It underscores the biblical worldview where words and their reception carry significant spiritual and practical consequences.
### Summary
`{{H4926}}` (mishmâʻ) is a Hebrew noun derived from `{{H8085}}` (shamâʻ, "to hear"), meaning "a report" or "hearing." Though appearing infrequently, its usage is potent and significant. In [[1 Samuel 2:24]], it describes the "evil report" of Eli's sons, highlighting the public consequences of moral failure. In [[Jeremiah 10:22]], it refers to the "report" of an impending invasion, signifying divine judgment. In [[Psalm 18:44]], it denotes the "hearing" of David's renown, leading to the submission of nations. Theologically, `{{H4926}}` underscores the weight of reputation, the inevitability of accountability, and God's sovereign use of "reports" or "hearings"—whether of human actions or impending events—to fulfill His purposes, whether in judgment or the establishment of His anointed. It emphasizes that what is heard and circulated carries profound spiritual and practical implications.
TRV